SUPERMARKET giant Asda signed a major deal with a Wrexham dairy to process 30million litres of milk a year.

The contract sustains 100 jobs at Tomlinson’s Dairies in Minera, which has taken over the processing of all Asda’s Welsh milk.

The village firm had produced around 35m litres of milk a year, supplying more than 300 outlets.

Walmart-owned Asda expects to sell in excess of 30m litres of milk in Wales in 2013 and an agreement between Tomlinson’s and Arla Foods will see 17 dedicated Welsh dairy farmers produce the milk for 32 stores across the country - meaning it is produced, processed and sold in Wales.

Tomlinson’s Dairies originated in 1983 and moved to a new 70,000 sq ft unit at Five Crosses Industrial Estate, Coedpoeth, last September.

The site is run by family members Phillip and John Tomlinson.

Phillip said: “We’re proud of our new site and the fact we’re able to support not just farming but the local economy in North Wales.

“Working with Arla Foods and Asda means we’re going to be producing a quality product that is authentically Welsh, something I hope Asda customers will enjoy.

He added: “I'm proud to be raising the profile of Welsh farming and giving something back to the farming community that has helped us realise our dream.”

Each of the 17 farmers is a member of Asda Dairylink, a dedicated group of producers within Arla Foods Milk Partnership.

Among them is Robert Pryce Jones, Asda’s Dairy Farmer of the Year, who tends 300 acres with 200 cows at Buttington Old Hall Farm near Welshpool. He thinks the new arrangement will benefit Welsh dairy farmers.

Robert said: “Other supermarkets label their milk Welsh but Asda is the first major retailer to sell milk produced and packed in Wales.

“It’s a real boost to Welsh dairy farmers to keep our milk here in Wales from milking through to it landing in fridges.”

Pearce Hughes, Asda Agricultural Development Manager, added: “The joint agreement with Arla, Asda and Tomlinson’s is good news for our customers as it reduces road miles, invests in Wales and most importantly, provides great tasting Welsh milk for our stores across the country.

“Farmers like Robert are the real stars here and it’s testament to the success and collaboration throughout the dairy supply chain that we are the first major supermarket to sell milk produced and packed here in Wales.”

Last May, we reported how Tomlinson’s won contracts to supply milk to all schools in Wrexham, Denbighshire and Conwy counties.